Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Citronella plant extract fights Microsporum canis fungus from pets
By Capoci, Isis Regina Grenier et al.·Published in Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo·2015·Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle (CITRONELLA) AGAINST Microsporum canis FROM ANIMALS AND HOME ENVIRONMENT.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that citronella extract can effectively fight a common skin infection called dermatophytosis, which is caused by the fungus Microsporum canis and can affect both pets and humans. This infection often spreads from dogs and cats to their surroundings, making it important to keep homes clean. The citronella extract showed strong antifungal properties, meaning it could help prevent the spread of this infection in homes. This could be a safer alternative to traditional disinfectants that may be toxic.
People also search for: citronella for dog skin infection · how to treat cat ringworm · natural antifungal for pets
Abstract
Dermatophytosis is a common zoonosis in urban centers. Dogs and cats have played an important role as its disseminators. Environmental decontamination is essential for the prevention of its propagation to humans and animals. However, sanitizers or disinfectants with antifungal activity, currently available, have high toxicity. The present study evaluated the in vitro effects of an extract of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) on 31 Microsporum canis isolates from animals and home environments. Susceptibility tests were performed based on document M38-A2 (2008) of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute with modifications for natural products. Although susceptibility variation was observed between the fungus tested, the concentrations that inhibited the growth of 50 and 90% of the microorganisms were low (19.5 and 78 µg/mL, respectively). Thus, this citronella extract showed potent fungistatic and fungicide activities against M. canis isolated from animals and home environments. Therefore, it could be an alternative for dermatophytosis prophylaxis in the home environment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27049705/